The Human Body in Pictograms

Joost Grootens; Pia Pedersen

The Human Body in Pictograms

Joost Grootens (Producer)
, Pia Pedersen (Producer)

Publications: Non-textual form › Contribution to exhibition › Research

Abstract

The Human Body In Pictograms is a research project studying the ethical dimension of how bodies are depicted. With its point of departure in public debate, students’ personal reflections and an analysis of international pictograms, the project deconstructs the perception of normative standards by articulating a new, more inclusive design strategy.

Pictograms serve as authoritative symbols, because they reflect how an institution or public authority perceives travellers, patients, users or citizens. Pictograms also reflect the era when they are produced. Accordingly, they may depict outmoded ways of viewing people and stigmatise different groups.

‘The Human Body In Pictograms’ shows how design can challenge our depictions of the human body. By critically analysing existing pictograms’ normative views of people, the project shows how pictograms can represent all types of bodies.

Original language	English
Publication date	30 Oct 2025
Place of Publication	København
Media of output	Installation
Size	4 x 4 x 4 m
Publication status	Published - 30 Oct 2025
Event	Imagining the Future – through Architecture and Design: Through Architecture and Design - Det Kongelige Akademi , København, Denmark Duration: 30 Oct 2025 → 16 Apr 2026 https://kglakademi.dk/da/projekter/forestillinger-om-fremtiden https://royaldanishacademy.com/en/projects/imagining-the-future

Exhibition

Exhibition	Imagining the Future – through Architecture and Design
Location	Det Kongelige Akademi
Country/Territory	Denmark
City	København
Period	30/10/2025 → 16/04/2026
Internet address	https://kglakademi.dk/da/projekter/forestillinger-om-fremtiden https://royaldanishacademy.com/en/projects/imagining-the-future

Artistic research

Yes

Cite this

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abstract = "The Human Body In Pictograms is a research project studying the ethical dimension of how bodies are depicted. With its point of departure in public debate, students{\textquoteright} personal reflections and an analysis of international pictograms, the project deconstructs the perception of normative standards by articulating a new, more inclusive design strategy. Pictograms serve as authoritative symbols, because they reflect how an institution or public authority perceives travellers, patients, users or citizens. Pictograms also reflect the era when they are produced. Accordingly, they may depict outmoded ways of viewing people and stigmatise different groups. {\textquoteleft}The Human Body In Pictograms{\textquoteright} shows how design can challenge our depictions of the human body. By critically analysing existing pictograms{\textquoteright} normative views of people, the project shows how pictograms can represent all types of bodies. ",

author = "Joost Grootens and Pia Pedersen",

year = "2025",

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language = "English",

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note = "Imagining the Future – through Architecture and Design ; Conference date: 30-10-2025 Through 16-04-2026",

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N2 - The Human Body In Pictograms is a research project studying the ethical dimension of how bodies are depicted. With its point of departure in public debate, students’ personal reflections and an analysis of international pictograms, the project deconstructs the perception of normative standards by articulating a new, more inclusive design strategy. Pictograms serve as authoritative symbols, because they reflect how an institution or public authority perceives travellers, patients, users or citizens. Pictograms also reflect the era when they are produced. Accordingly, they may depict outmoded ways of viewing people and stigmatise different groups. ‘The Human Body In Pictograms’ shows how design can challenge our depictions of the human body. By critically analysing existing pictograms’ normative views of people, the project shows how pictograms can represent all types of bodies.

AB - The Human Body In Pictograms is a research project studying the ethical dimension of how bodies are depicted. With its point of departure in public debate, students’ personal reflections and an analysis of international pictograms, the project deconstructs the perception of normative standards by articulating a new, more inclusive design strategy. Pictograms serve as authoritative symbols, because they reflect how an institution or public authority perceives travellers, patients, users or citizens. Pictograms also reflect the era when they are produced. Accordingly, they may depict outmoded ways of viewing people and stigmatise different groups. ‘The Human Body In Pictograms’ shows how design can challenge our depictions of the human body. By critically analysing existing pictograms’ normative views of people, the project shows how pictograms can represent all types of bodies.

UR - https://royaldanishacademy.com/en/case/human-body-pictograms

M3 - Contribution to exhibition

PB - Det Kongelige Akademi

CY - København

T2 - Imagining the Future – through Architecture and Design

Y2 - 30 October 2025 through 16 April 2026

ER -

The Human Body in Pictograms

Abstract

Exhibition

Artistic research

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Cite this